Winter and Saxo arrive back at the hut after retrieving supplies from Broli. While Winter thinks Rudi and Franz will join them, Saxo insists that “the Kurtalers are no mountaineers” (164). They are surprised to see several loads of supplies—more than Rudi and Franz alone could carry. Saxo now insists that the others are “also jealous” (165) and want to keep a man from Broli from summiting the Citadel. This inconsistency highlights Saxo’s pride. Franz and his companions enter the hut, and the group soon figures out that Rudi must be climbing the Citadel again, since neither of them passed him on their paths. Franz blames Saxo, asking what kind of a guide “looks out only for himself” (170). The two continue to bicker until Winter interrupts them, “sick of this nonsense” (171). He points out that their prejudice about their towns made them forget Rudi.

Just then, Rudi appears in the doorway, covered in dirt, snow, and blood. Despite his appearance, Rudi is beaming, explaining that he found the way up the Citadel. Once again, it is Teo who stands up for him, congratulating him with the affirmation, “I am proud of you. Your father would be proud of you” (172).